Wireless Mesh Network Disadvantages: Are you looking to know about Wireless Mesh network disadvantages? Then we got you covered as this article deals with wireless mesh network and their disadvantages.

Wireless Mesh Network Disadvantages

As illustrated in Figure 1, there are three types of network topologies: star, tree, and mesh. A wireless mesh network is made up of wireless nodes that are linked together using a mesh topology.

It is also known as a wireless ad-hoc network due to its structure.

The wireless mesh network does not require any infrastructure to function. They are also referred to as self-organizing networks.

They are also referred to as multi-hopped networks. In a mesh network, two nodes communicate either directly or indirectly through other nodes on the path/route.

The Fundamentals of Wireless Mesh Technology

With two examples, we will learn the fundamentals of wireless mesh technology. Consider the zigbee mesh network as an example.

As illustrated, ZC (Zigbee coordinator), ZR (Zigbee router), and Zigbee end nodes are linked in a mesh configuration.

To route the packet from the source device to the destination device, the system employs the AODV routing protocol. There is no single network element responsible for managing the entire network.

Individual Zigbee nodes and routers are responsible for routing the packet. To begin the network, one zigbee coordinator is required. Each node has a 64-bit address that is both unique and permanent.

Furthermore, zigbee requires that data be sent to the destination node or device’s 16-bit network address. As a result, before transmitting data, it is critical to know the destination’s 16-bit address.

Consider Example #2 of a VSAT mesh network, as shown in Figure 2. A Hub station is not required in a mesh configuration for VSATs to communicate.

Based on how their antennas are configured, two VSATs can communicate directly with or without the use of a satellite.

VSAT communications in a Star configuration require a Hub station, as shown. Furthermore, mobile subscribers communicate via Base Station in cellular systems (or eNB).

Wireless Mesh Network Disadvantages

Wireless Mesh has the following drawbacks or disadvantages:

1. It is difficult to install and manage because there is no centralized location from which to monitor and control the entire network. As a result, troubleshooting is inadequate.

2. The nodes are expensive because they house complex functionalities.

3. It is more secure because communication occurs at user terminals.

4. In the wireless mesh network architecture, there is no central entity known as a base station or a hub station. As a result, the routing and resource management processes are more complex than in a cellular network or another star topology-based wireless network system.

5. The nodes are complicated because they must have transmit/receive capabilities as well as routing algorithms.

6. Even though Wireless Mesh has some disadvantages, it also has some advantages and benefits.

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Benefits of Wireless Mesh

The following are the benefits or advantages of Wireless Mesh:

1. Wireless mesh networks overcome wired mesh network limitations in LAN applications, such as the need for more cables and NIC cards. To interface eight computers, for example, each computer requires NIC cards, and 28 cables are required to connect each one to the other seven computers.

2. If any of the wireless end nodes, devices, or stations fails, the entire network does not go down. This means that an error or fault at one node has no effect on the other nodes in the network. Only the area covered by specific faulty nodes will be affected. The service will be restored automatically or manually by another healthy node.

3. The nodes or stations self-organize and require minimal manual configuration to function. It is not necessary to have centralized management. As a result, unlike star-based systems, it does not require periodic maintenance.

4. With minimal configuration, the wireless mesh network provides excellent reliability and freedom for mobile system users.

In summary, the benefits of a wireless mesh network include increased fault tolerance without the need for centralized management, among other things.

Wireless Mesh has the disadvantage of being difficult to install and manage, as well as having expensive end devices for network subscribers/users.

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